Driving in France...

OUR ENCOUNTERS:We have driven through France for many years now - across the north, across the south and right through the middle. We have to admit it has been a real joy each and every time. The roads are in great condition, the driving is not as manic as in many of its surrounding neighbours and drivers tend to respect one another. They normally don't exceed the speed limits and the majority seem to be sensible road users.As long as you adhere to and respect the regulations/laws like we have, it can be a fantastic roadtrip experience. We have always felt safe and haven't really encountered any problems apart from adverse weather conditions. So we advise you to always be prepared for the unexpected, even during the summer months. When you're least expecting bad weather, it can suddenly turn - from being sunny one minute and suddenly raining cats and dogs the next, to the point where you are unable to see the road ahead. If you're caught out too, you should reduce your speed considerably, switch on your headlights and drive with caution. If it's extremely bad, switch on your fog lights or even your emergency warning lights to make other drivers aware of your position and leave a long gap between you and other vehicles on the road. If you encounter extremely dangerous driving conditions try to pull over somewhere safe until it's fine to continue with your journey.The roads and facilities in France are very well maintained and second to none in Europe and are absolutely perfect for adventurous roadtrip travellers. France has superb motorways, yes the tolls are a tad expensive, among the most expensive in Europe, but we can't fault the facilities. It offers excellent Service/Rest Areas signposted 'Aires de Service/Aires' and you will come across a petrol station every 30-40 kms (18.5-25 miles) or so. Signs are indicated at regular intervals including local fuel costs too. The Rest Areas offer ample free parking facilities where you can rest for as long as you fancy - even overnight if you need to. There are designated lorry areas for free too so that lorry drivers can also get their very much needed rest. The majority of Rest Areas offer self-service restaurants/cafés, shops, toilets (showers), sometimes free wi-fi and 24 hour petrol station facilities.Don't forget that prices at Service Stations are usually higher than anywhere else, so be prepared to spend that little bit extra on food and other products available as well as fuel. It is much cheaper to purchase these at local Supermarkets (Carrefour/Intermarche) instead, on the outskirts of towns and cities. You will also come across outdoor Rest Areas 'Aires de Repos' with picnic, park, toilet and children's play area facilities approximately every 25 kms (12.5 miles) or so. These rest areas are not manned/supervised on-site but are regularly maintained.It takes on average 3 hours from Calais to Paris around 290 kms (180 miles) and then 9 hours from Paris to the border into San Sebastian (Spain) approximately 800 kms (500 miles). Alternatively the same amount of time, an average of 12 hours, if you avoid Paris altogether and drive across the north and down to San Sebastian. We do, however, like to take our time and stop off constantly throughout our trips so it may takes us longer than the majority who are in a hurry.Our usual route takes us via Calais, Boulogne, Abbeville, Rouen, Alencons, Le Mans, Tours, Poitiers, Bordeaux, Bayonne, Biarritz onto San Sebastian (on the A16, A28 and E5). Our return journey is normally past Biarritz, Bayonne, Bordeaux to Paris via Poitiers/Tours/Orleans (on the E5 and A10) and then from Paris to Calais (via the A1 and E15).The speed does however seem to increase as you approach Paris and drive around the circular (peripherique), you just need to stay calm and flow with the traffic - just don't panic! Give way and drive at your own pace, slow down if you are unsure of your exit or what direction you need to be taking - just allow other drivers to drive past you. Or alternatively, avoid it altogether if you prefer calmer roads. Especially the Place Charles de Gaule (top of the Champs-Elysees), one of the maddest roundabouts to conquer - and where drivers approaching from the right have priority. 'Bonne chance!'. Please note that if you do have an accident on this roundabout, responsibility automatically falls to both drivers regardless of whose fault it was.You can either choose to take the fabulous motorways (A roads - Blue signs) which have toll charges or choose to take the wonderful country roads or dualcarriageways which are normally free (N and D roads - RN, RD, CD - Green/White signs). These are fantastic also but your journey is bound to take longer as some of these roads are filled with roundabouts, traffic lights and speed restrictions and are normally one to two lanes in the same direction. However, the fabulous scenery of beautiful wild flowered fields on these twisting tree-lined country roads makes the longer drive worthwhile and you'll encounter much less traffic. You should keep an eye on your petrol tank on these roads though as petrol stations are not open for 24 hours and are normally closed for a couple of hours at lunchtime, evenings/nights and on Sundays.If you'd like to avoid congestive routes/traffic jams and trouble spots during the peak holiday periods, there is an official network of alternative routes which are much less crowded available - these are known as 'Itineraires Bis'. You can get hold of a free 'Bison Fute' map (produced annually) from petrol stations and tourist offices nationwide, which will indicate these routes in detail.With regards to signage, France is pretty good with signs in general. You may, however, lose your way when driving through towns so just follow the 'Toutes directions' (all directions) or 'Autres directions' (other directions) signs, diverting traffic around the town. These will eventually lead you to the relevant route you need to take. Instead of focussing on road numbers, it is best to find the sign for the next major town on your route. If you need to stop-off to get a good night's sleep and rest overnight, you will find many motels/hotels on your route as they will appear on the motorway every so often. There are many actually located on the motorway itself in Service Areas. You don't usually need to make any reservations as there are always vacancies but it does get busy during the summer period. You can, however, get better discounted rates if you book online in advance.There are a few which are unmanned and serviced by entry machines. We have previously driven from Calais to Paris and then headed south via Lyon to Marseille. It can take around 10 hours, approximately 1078 kms (670 miles). Or if you're heading south to Barcelona (Spain) via Perpignan it can take around 11 hours from Calais to Perpignan, approximately 1130 kms (700 miles).When we drive across the south it takes us around 6 hours, 506 kms (315 miles) from Perpignan to Menton. We have taken many other routes too and have never had a problem on any of these roads, they're all in great condition. However, you must take extra care when driving along the southern coastal narrow, winding roads - they're very scenic but at the same time can also be very dangerous.In the summer months France becomes inundated with traffic. You'll encounter cars from all over Europe, the majority are heading to their homeland for a holiday whilst others are heading to the French coast for a short break. It is advisable to take extra care during these months.It is also good to remember that France has banned HGV's from using the motorways/dual carriageways during the weekend, so it's the best time to take a less busier and stress-free trip.Overall, the French have a reputation for being selfish and irresponsible speedy drivers but we've never encountered this behaviour on our numerous roadtrips that we've taken across France. There has been tougher Policing laws introduced in recent years so this has reduced the number of road deaths across France, making it much safer for everyone.

ROAD LAWS:

1. You are still required to carry a valid NF approved Breathalyser kit (x2 single use) whilst driving through France, although fines are no longer issued for not carrying one - the enforcement law has been postponed indefinitely. The Breathalyser should be in date (normally valid for 12 months) and ready to use if you are stopped by the Police as they still carry out random breath tests. You can buy these on the Ferry or at supermarkets and service stations throughout France. These are, however, much cheaper to buy in France than on the Ferry. The French alcohol limit is 50mg per 100ml of blood which is 30mg lower than the UK. You can be fined from 750 euros to 4500 euros if you are found above the limit and if you refuse to take a test - simply just don't drink and drive!2. Following a traffic accident or a serious offence, all drivers involved must undergo a breath test and/or saliva test for drugs.3. Similar to Spain and Portugal, the Police in France are now using unmarked (Renault, Citroen and Peugeot) Police cars equipped with speed cameras. They can issue on the spot fines if you are caught driving over the speed limit. These fines have to be paid in cash (euros) as bankcards are not accepted. If you do not have any cash available, Police may take you to the nearest bank for you to pay the fine. You can even be fined if Police catch you speeding from one lane to another at toll barriers.4. Also be aware that there are now many speed cameras dotted all over France so watch out for these too. Speed radar areas are signposted by large brown signs on entering these zones. However, there now exists many which aren't signposted and the majority of warning signs are being taken down. You'll notice that local traffic suddenly slows down when approaching these areas as they're already aware of them. Fines for speeding range from 68 euros to 1500 euros depending on how above the speed limit the vehicle was moving (from 20-50+ kmh above the speed limit). Drivers who exceed the speed limit by more than 40 kmh are likely to have their licences/vehicle confiscated immediately.5. When there is poor daytime visibility you should turn on your dipped headlights and reduce your speed accordingly. 6. It is compulsory to carry Safety Vests for all passengers inside your vehicle. If you are stopped by the Police in France and do not have these you may be fined up to 130 euros.7. It is illegal to use/carry sat-nav/radar detection equipment to detect speed cameras. The Police can fine you up to 1500 euros or confiscate the equipment if you are caught with it in your vehicle, whether you are using it or not. If your GPS system has outdated software which includes speed camera detection in France, you will need to update your device with the latest software so that you are not in breach of this law.8. You can now be fined if you use your mobile phone whilst driving if it's not a hands-free set. Mobile ear devices are also banned. The Police can issue you with a 130 euros on the spot fine.9. If oncoming traffic flashes their headlights at you it's usually to warn you about speed traps up ahead in unmarked Police vehicles. But, it can also mean they want you to give them right of way in order to overtake. (Unlike the UK where we actually mean we're giving way!) If drivers flash their headlights at you from behind, they're warning you that they are wanting to overtake you.10. Drivers who are already on roundabouts have priority of way over drivers who are approaching (apart from a few main roundabouts in Paris). The law for giving way to drivers approaching from the right is still being reviewed and may soon be phased out but in the meantime be cautious and give way to drivers approaching from the right where signposted 'Priorite a droite' (Right has priority) as it may still apply at some junctions (in small villages/small city streets). Where a yellow diamond/white border sign is signposted it means that 'Priority to the right' does not apply and you have the right of way.11. The traffic light system is slightly different to the UK whereby the amber light indicates proceed with caution and give way to cars approaching from the right. Traffic lights also turn directly from red to green and hang above traffic so don't stop too close otherwise it's impossible to see them change. But you may be lucky as they normally have the smaller lights, usually eye level, on the side posts too.12. You can be fined if you fail to stop at a Stop sign or red light.13. You can also be fined if you obstruct another vehicle from overtaking - either by accelerating or refusing to move over into the right lane.14. Fines are also issued if you are caught dangerous driving, tailgating, crossing a continuous line and driving on the wrong side of the road.15. French Police are authorised to issue on the spot fines of up to 375 euros depending on the gravity of the offence. If the offence committed is really serious it can result in your car/driving licence being suspended and even imprisonment. Eg. Not wearing seat belts, hit and run, driving without a licence/insurance, etc. 16. When overtaking cyclists you must allow a distance of at least 1-1.5 metres between you. You will always be held responsible for damages if you harm a cyclist.17. Horns must only be used in emergencies in built-up areas and flashing headlights should be used as a warning after sunset.18. In winter it is mandatory to use snow chains and winter tyres (use when below 7 degrees) are recommended in mountainous regions - there are several in France: The Pyrenees, Alps, Vosges, Jura and Massif Central. You will need to look out for signs/road conditions (ice, heavy snow) and act accordingly.19. You cannot carry any people in a caravan whilst it is on the move.20. Finally, in cities with trams you must give way and allow passengers to get on/off and safely cross onto the pavement.

MOTORWAYS:1. Motorways (Autoroutes) are payable by cash and/or bankcards (Maestro/Electron are not accepted) at toll booths which are clearly marked. You must collect a ticket from a toll booth on entering the motorways and pay at ticket machines/attendant before exiting/continuing with your journey. Toll charges depend on the type of vehicle being driven.2. There are designated lanes at toll barriers. Make sure you choose the correct lane - they are identified as cash only, cards only or Telepeage (for vehicles fitted with toll charging devices). These devices can also be used in Spain and Portugal and can now be purchased in the UK from www.saneftolling.co.uk - but you will need to look into this (Liber-t device) in more detail (it could be a good option if you are a frequent traveller/motorway user - but do note that upfront fees are charged). You should not drive through these designated lanes if you do not have one of these devices.3. There are a few motorway stretches which have a fixed toll charges payable at toll booths - tickets are not issued in these instances. 4. Toll tickets are only valid for 24 hours - do not overstay this period.5. Police can check if you have been speeding on a motorway by checking the ticket entry time against the time of exit. If the calculations suggest you were exceeding the speed limit, you may be fined. 6. Note to campers - no camping is allowed on the motorway rest areas.

BREAKDOWN/ACCIDENT:

1. If you breakdown on the motorway in France your Breakdown Service Provider will not be able to assist you. Motorways are managed by private companies who will take you to a local depot if you breakdown or are involved in an accident. Try to park up in a layby/roadside or on the hard shoulder if possible. Please note the following:If you have an accident or breakdown on a motorway, you should use the free emergency telephones (orange SOS posts) - located every 2 kms (1.5 miles). Around every 4 kms (2.5 miles) on other roads. There are arrows indicating the nearest one and are numbered to help pinpoint your location. You will be connected to the official Breakdown Service operating in that area who will send you the nearest Recovery Service. Alternatively, you can call the Police from your mobile and ask for assistance.If you have an accident or breakdown on the Paris circular (peripherique) you will need to call the Police. Recovery charges have been set across the country by the French Government. Minor repairs which are sorted on the spot can cost around 100 euros (Up to half an hour work). If you need towing this can cost around 100 euros plus the cost of local repair. If you require night assistance (6pm-8am) or weekend/Bank Holiday assistance extra charges will be added.You will have to pay for these costs in advance and then make a claim once you return home - don't forget to get a receipt!Do also note that vehicle repatriation can cost up to £1500 so make sure you take out the correct cover.2. If you have a road accident in France which involves 2 or more vehicles you will be asked to fill in a 'Constat Amiable' form which will be provided by one of the French drivers and jointly you should come to an agreement on how the accident occured. It isn't mandatory to fill in the form but it does however help with insurance claims. You can fill the form in English if your French isn't great. Make sure you add the number of ticks at the bottom of the form, preventing it from being altered by the other party at a later stage. Do check the other party's form including their answers as well as their details against their ID/Car documents. If everything seems correct you must then sign the form, however do not sign the form if you are unsure of any of the details written in French as this may go against you if there are any disputes at a later stage. You should also call your insurance company for advice. If you, any of your passengers or any other parties are injured, you must remain at the scene until the Police arrive. There is no need for the Police to attend if there are no injuries and the damages to the cars are minor.3. If you witness an accident you must safely stop to give assistance or call the emergency services on 18 or 112. We believe it's a criminal offence if you fail to assist a person in danger and can be either fined or imprisoned for not doing so. We do, however, advise that you never drive an injured person to the hospital yourself - if they were to die in your car, you could find yourself in serious trouble, even sued.

PARKING:1. There are Parking Restrictions in most towns and cities. Where you find no markings or a dotted white line, Parking is normally free. 2. In certain areas Parking Restrictions apply to one side of the road for the first half of the month (impairs-odd numbers) and on the other side for the second half of the month (pairs-even numbers) - this is known as 'Stationnement Alterne Semi-mensuel'. 3. In Paris street parking is limited and you cannot park on red lines (Axe rouge). These routes are marked with a ‘Stationnement Interdit’ sign meaning parking is forbidden.4. Sometimes there are Parking Restrictions which apply to one side of the road for street cleaning - look out for these too.5. Never park on a single yellow line, next to a pavement kerb painted in yellow, in front of garages, fire hydrants or in taxi ranks - you may find your car towed away.6. Do check the Parking Signs for local Parking Restrictions as these may vary throughout the country from Pay and Display, Blue Parking Zones (Zone Bleue) to Parking Meters and Automatic Machines. Some machines accept bankcards.7. Blue Zone tickets can be purchased from Police stations, Tourist Offices and Newsagents.8. If you're unsure of the Parking Restrictions, it's better and safer to park in a Car Park. Sometimes it's worth paying that little bit extra.9. If you receive a Parking Fine you can either pay it online or you can buy a 'Timbre Fiscal' ticket from a newsagent which you affix to your fine and post to the specified address. Parking Fines can range from 11 euros. Alternatively, you can pay the Traffic Warden directly in cash - ask for a receipt for proof of payment.10. If you receive a Parking Fine and you do not move your car within the hour you may be issued a second ticket. If you do not move your car after two hours you will be clamped and will have to pay a release fee or even be towed away.11. If you are towed away you will not only have to pay the Parking Fine (at the local Police Station) but also a release fee on top of that, plus a daily holding charge to have the car released. Car pounds are normally not open 24 hours, the majority are open from 8am-8pm Monday to Saturdays. As well as it being a nightmare retrieving your car, it can also be very expensive and something you can do without whilst on your travels, so it always pays to check the Parking Restrictions properly.12. If you receive any fines using a rental car, you should sort/pay these immediately otherwise further charges will be added by your Rental Company if you leave it to them to sort out. They will send you the bill with extra charges.

CAR THEFT:France has one of the highest rates of car theft/vandalism and break-ins in Europe. You should never leave anything on display inside your car. Store any items away in the boot or you will no doubt be broken into. Take care if you drive an exclusive car as many cars are stolen to order. It may deter a car thief from stealing your vehicle if you install an alarm, anti-theft device or even a steering wheel lock. The harder you make it to steal, the better.